“One lifetime is not enough for Rome,” the famous saying goes, and anyone who’s ever been there knows these words to be true. In City of the Soul, William Murray begins to show us why. Growing up in Rome and spending much of his life in the city, William Murray is an expert guide as he takes us on an intimate walking tour of some of Rome’s most glorious achievements, illuminating the history and the mythology that define the city. Murray leads us through the centro, the city’s historic downtown center. He writes about the Villa Borghese, the Piazza di Spagna, and the Trevi Fountain and describes such singular attractions as the Capuchin Church of Santa Maria della Concezione, whose macabre crypt has impressed visitors from Mark Twain to the Marquis de Sade. As he walks, he reveals stories that only a longtime resident would know, capturing the sights, sounds, and flavors that make Rome a combination of the deep past and the ever-sensual present.
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"For someone who spent 9 months exploring the streets of Rome (me), this was ear candy (did the audio version.)"
— Jane (4 out of 5 stars)
" Murrray's personal look at Rome, some tales, some history. It was interesting at times but also felt like a recitation of "here's where the famous hung out." Enjoyable while reading, but doesn't linger long when done. "
— Obisbooks, 8/11/2013" Written in narrative style, it is pretty much a guide for touring Rome but much more interesting to read. "
— Sarah, 5/12/2013" A delightful set of short autobiographical chapters on the pleasures of Rome. Wonderful to read before you or after you return as I just did. "
— Alice, 2/28/2012" A great read before a visit. "
— Denise, 1/29/2012" I read this while in Rome and really enjoyed it. Not sure how much I would have enjoyed the book without knowing a bit about the city. Easy read. "
— Kim, 11/11/2011" This one's about Rome and it's good. Makes me sad, "homesick" even. "
— Tony, 3/30/2011" I wish I had read this before I went to Rome last spring. I'll just have to go back, with this book in hand. "
— Dianne, 3/23/2011" Parts of this I loved. The history was fascinating, tragic at times. <br/>He painted a lovely visual. Other parts are slow and draggy. <br/>Zoned out on some parts because of that. "
— Kl, 2/5/2011" I wish I had read this before I went to Rome last spring. I'll just have to go back, with this book in hand. "
— Dianne, 11/19/2010" I read this while in Rome and really enjoyed it. Not sure how much I would have enjoyed the book without knowing a bit about the city. Easy read. "
— Kim, 1/19/2010" Written in narrative style, it is pretty much a guide for touring Rome but much more interesting to read. "
— Sarah, 1/14/2009" This one's about Rome and it's good. Makes me sad, "homesick" even. "
— Tony, 1/28/2008